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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Anna and the French Kiss!

So, guys. GUYS. One of my all-time favorite books is out today. And I am giddy! I've loved this book since the very first page. Steph sent it to me just before it went out on submission and I remember reading that first page and thinking, "Holy crap, she's going to sell immediately." And, guess what? She totally did.

Anna and the French Kiss is funny and smart and delightful and swoony. It's a romantic comedy that manages to be both romantic AND comedic, but it doesn't stop there because Steph is a very ambitious person, so it's also smart and bittersweet and compelling and complex. These characters stay with you long after you read the book. The clever, fast dialogue, the lovingly detailed Paris setting, the food--THE FOOD--the romantic entanglements and disappointments and confusion, and the kissing, oh yes, the kissing, the kissing, the kissing...wait, where was I?

The best way I can describe Steph's writing is a perfect medium between the cute and funny of Maureen Johnson and the funny and smart of John Green. (Incidentally, I would say the content is similar to Sarah Dessen or John Green, if you are wondering what ages it works for--and, as I recommend for any book, if you are concerned read it before giving it to a teen so that you can discuss things. However, if you read this book before giving it to a teen the poor teen will probably never get it because you will sleep with it under your pillow and ground them if they even think about trying to take it.)

Also, did I mention it has one of the BEST love interests I have ever read? Hands down. Bar none. BUT I READ HIM FIRST HE IS MINE SO BACK OFF.

Ahem.

Steph is one of my very best friends in the world, but even if she weren't she'd still be one of my very favorite authors. YOU GUYS HOW MUCH LONGER DO I HAVE TO GUSH BECAUSE I WILL GO ON ALL DAY DON'T THINK I WON'T. WHY HAVEN'T YOU ORDERED IT YET??

Oh. I didn't give you the picture link. Here it is:

Buy it for yourself for Christmas. And then buy it for every older teen on your list. And then buy it for everyone you like. And maybe even a few people that you don't like, because after all, it's Christmas and you should really work on being more generous and loving, right? Right. Spread the French Kiss love! You will be so popular. Especially if you phrase it like that.

Seriously. I am wearing out the l o v and e keys on my keyboard trying to talk about this book. I'm so proud of Steph and so grateful I know her and so excited that the rest of the world gets to fall in love in Paris with Anna and Étienne St. Clair, and most especially that the world gets to fall in love with Stephanie Perkins.

I KNEW HER FIRST SHE IS MINE SO BACK OFF.
Wait, is that creepy? Fine. You, too, are allowed to adore her. Encouraged, even.
You're welcome.

I suppose I shouldn't be so happy that I'm either going to her release day party today, or to her signing on Saturday.... BWAHAHAHAHA!!!! I shall steal her!!!!! Or just buy lots of her books. One of those. :) :) :)

I am rather surprised that you did not try and fight me when I met you at Changing Hands. But hey Étienne is really worth fighting for. Sure the fight would appear to be unfair since I am close to 5'9 but you look scrappy so I am not going to count you out.